Featured Wildlife Journeys

Seal Watching Cruise

Duration: 2 hours

Type: Shared.

Departs: Daily

Interests: Birds, Marine Mammals.

Spectacular close up encounters with Australia’s largest population of Australian Fur Seals is promised on this scenic coastal boat tour. Venturing to the aptly named Seal Rocks, visitors will drift amongst 7000+ seals. Seals are present all year round, from young pups to adult bulls, with the crew providing insights into the fascinating social displays of these agile and playful creatures. The spectacular coastline along the northern and western shores of Phillip Island, provide abundant viewing opportunities for dolphins, Little Penguins and a vast array of seabirds.

Itinerary

Tour day-by-day

Seal Watching Cruise

Departing from Cowes Jetty on Phillip Island, guests will board the spacious twin-deck catamaran for this delightful afternoon seal watching cruise over to Seal Rocks, located 2 kilometres (1.25 miles) off the coast of Phillip Island, which serves as the breeding grounds for an estimated 12,000 Australian Fur Seals.

As guests cruise through various landmarks, on-board guides will share expert commentary about the wildlife and history of the area along the spectacular coasts of Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula. The seal population has been steadily increasing since Seal Rocks became a marine sanctuary in 1928 and a State Fauna Reserve in 1966.

Upon arriving at Seal Rocks, the boat drifts along as you watch the playful antics of the seals. The naturally curious creatures are likely to come close to the boat to take a look at us visitors. The captain and crew are passionate about the wildlife and will provide ample wildlife interpretation including the behaviour of young pups and territorial male bulls.

Whilst out on the water, guests should be on the lookout for Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, Humpback, Killer and Southern Right Whales (during winter months), Little Penguins and seabirds such as Australasian Gannet, Shy Albatross, Crested Tern, Sooty Oystercatcher, cormorants and Pacific Gull. Other birds that are occasional sightings include Ruddy Turnstones and Giant Petrels.

During the return journey, guests are welcome to visit the captain’s bridge and learn about boat operations firsthand. The cruise includes an afternoon tea that consists of unlimited tea or coffee accompanied by cakes and other light refreshments. After an informative and entertaining two hours on the water, the boat returns you to Cowes Jetty to end your tour.